Autumn has finally arrived. Leaves are falling and the nights are growing noticeably longer, which means the full Hunter’s Moon is close.

This annual celestial event, typically occurring in October, rises with deep spiritual significance, and reminds us that even as warmth retreats, nature’s rhythms are still inviting connection.

The Hunter’s Moon symbolizes a time of introspection, spiritual harvest and preparation for the next turn of the wheel of the year.  Its fiery glow is encouraging us to reflect on our personal growth and gather the fruits of our efforts.

Embracing the Hunter Moon’s energy can be a powerful experience, especially if you’re new to working with the Moon phases. From performing rituals like moon gazing, journalling, or even creating a lunar altar for gratitude, there are so many options to mark this phase.

The key is to find practices can help you align with the Hunter Moon’s particular transformative power and set the stage for personal growth in the months ahead. So let’s find out what that is…

When is the full Hunter’s Moon 2024?

This October’s hunters Moon rises on Thursday, October  17, 2024, at 12:30 GMT/ 07:30 EST.

Full moons occur when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun so that its face is fully illuminated by the Sun’s rays. This happens approximately once a month, when the moonrise and sunset happen simultaneously, and it’s the peak in the lunar calendar.

What’s the significance of the Hunter’s Moon?

The Hunter’s Moon holds deep meaning across cultures and carries potent energy for spiritual practices.

Following the Harvest Moon, this Autumn full Moon typically occurs in October, when the moon rises earlier in the evening, and appears larger and brighter in the sky than many summer Moons. You may notice its orange-tinted glow illuminating the autumn landscape.

This full moon symbolizes abundance and clarity. Its bold, yet soothing energy encourages you to gather resources and cultivate the focus needed to prepare for the colder months ahead.

Historically, the Hunter Moon’s increased light aided hunters in spotting prey. Today, you can harness this illuminating energy to gain insights and clarity in your own life. Many see it as an opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual growth, as the hunter’s clear sight and vision can be turned inwards for healing.

What are the origins of the hunter’s Moon?

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the name of the hunter’s Moon comes from the Algonquin Native American tribe. It was seen as a time for gathering food before winter, as the extra moonlight allowed for extended hunting and harvesting.

In Celtic traditions, this moon marked the end of the harvest season. Falling close to Mabon (autumn equinox) The ancient ones might have celebrated with feasts and rituals honouring the abundance of the year.

European folklore associates the Hunter’s Moon with spiritual connections to ancestors. Its proximity to Sahmain means it can be a time when the veil between worlds thins, making communication with spirits easier.

What is the Astrology of the full Hunter’s Moon?

This year the Hunter’s Moon occurs in Aries, the fiery first sign of the zodiac. This means it illuminates aspects of self to do with identity, ambitions, personal goals and aspirations.

During this fiery full moon, you may feel more impulsive and ready to take action. It’s a powerful energy that often encourages you to take risks, pursue new goals and embrace change. 

Moving into the darker half of the year (in the northern hemisphere) makes this a great time for self-inquiry and excavation, for exploring who you really are and how you align your actions with your values.

How to celebrate the Hunter’s Moon

The Hunter’s Moon offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and communal celebration. Just like more traditional harvest festivals, engaging in specific rituals and practices with your community can deepen your spiritual connection, as well as prepare you for the changing seasons.

Harvest and gratitude circle

This is a beautiful group ritual gathering. Feel free to adapt it according to the winds of your intuition, and the people in your world…

Preparate and create sacred space

• Choose a comfortable outdoor space or a cosy indoor area where everyone can gather.
• Provide a large basket or container to symbolize the collective harvest.
• Gather materials such as paper, pens, and small items representing the year’s experiences (e.g., dried herbs, small stones, or personal tokens).

Open the circle

• Gather everyone in a circle. Light a candle, and offer a brief introduction to the purpose of the circle: to reflect on the past year, acknowledge personal growth, and express gratitude.
• Invite participants to take a few deep breaths together to center themselves.

Share the harvest

• Pass around the basket and invite each person to contribute an item that represents something significant from the past year. This could be a small token, a piece of paper with a written note, or a symbolic object.
• As each person shares their item, they can briefly explain its significance and what they learned or appreciated from that experience.

Hold collective reflection

• After everyone has shared, take a moment to reflect collectively on the themes that emerged. Discuss the lessons learned, challenges overcome, and moments of joy experienced throughout the year.

Express gratitude

• Hand out small pieces of paper and pens to each participant. Ask everyone to write down three things they are grateful for from the past year.
• Once everyone has written their gratitude notes, take turns to read them aloud and then place these notes into the basket as a symbolic gesture of collecting gratitude.

Close

• To conclude the ritual, gather everyone in a circle again. Invite a volunteer to lead a short meditation or prayer, thanking Life for the experiences of the past year and setting intentions for the future.

This ritual not only allows for personal reflection but also strengthens bonds among participants. Sitting in circle together fosters a sense of gratitude and togetherness as you collectively honour the year’s experiences.

Hunter’s Moon correspondences

Here’s a list of correspondences associated with the Hunter’s Moon, which can be used for rituals, spells, or personal reflection:

Colours: Deep orange, gold, brown, dark red, silver

Crystals and Stones: Carnelian, tiger’s eye, obsidian, red jasper, bloodstone, citrine

Herbs and Plants: Sage, rosemary, thyme, pumpkins, acorns

Animals: Deer, fox, owl, wolf, bear

Deities: Artemis, Cernunnos, Diana, Hecate, Demeter

Themes and Concepts: Abundance and gratitude, reflection and introspection, preparation for winter, connection to nature and the cycles of life, community and gathering

These correspondences can help deepen your connection to the Hunter’s Moon and enhance your rituals or practices during this time. Incorporate them in ways that resonate with you and your intentions for this full Moon.

Journal Prompts for the Hunter’s Moon 2024

Here are ten journal prompts to inspire reflection and exploration during the Hunter’s Moon:

Reflect on Abundance: What aspects of my life feel abundant right now? What are three I’m grateful for and how do they enrich my life?

Lessons Learned: What important lessons have I learned over the past year? How have these lessons shaped who I are today?

Harvesting Experiences: If I could “harvest” one experience from the past year to take with me into the future, what would it be and why?

Setting Intentions: What intentions do I want to set for the upcoming months? How can I nurture these intentions as I move forward?

Nature Connection: How does the changing season and the energy of the Hunter’s Moon resonate with me? What are my favourite ways to connect with nature during this time?

Community and Relationships: Who in my life has supported me this year? Describe a meaningful interaction or moment I shared with them and how it impacted me.

Personal Growth: In what ways have I grown or changed over the last year? What are some specific challenges I faced and how did they contribute to my development?

Celebrating Strengths: What personal strengths have helped me navigate the past year? How can I continue to cultivate these strengths moving forward?

Gratitude: What are at least ten things, big or small, that I appreciate in my life right now? Consider how I can express this gratitude to others.

Vision for the Future: As I reflect on the Hunter’s Moon, what vision do I have for the next season of my life? Describe my hopes and dreams, and what steps I can take to manifest them.

These prompts encourage introspection and gratitude, allowing you to connect deeply with the themes of the Hunter’s Moon. Enjoy your journaling!

Hunter’s Moon Affirmations

• I embrace the abundance in my life, celebrating every achievement and blessing that has come my way this year!
• I am profoundly grateful for the lessons I have learned. Every challenge empowers my growth and strengthens my spirit.
• I honour my experiences with deep reverence, carrying forward the rich wisdom they have gifted me on my journey.
• I set clear intentions for my future, trusting in my incredible ability to manifest my dreams
• I connect passionately with the beauty of nature, receiving its vibrant energy as medicine to inspire and uplift my soul.
• I treasure the unwavering support and love of my community, nurturing those precious relationships with immense gratitude and joy.
• I celebrate my personal growth with enthusiasm, I trust I am on exactly the right path.
• I embrace my unique strengths, wielding them as powerful tools to guide me on my path.
• I express gratitude daily with an open heart, revelling in the joy found in the grandest and simplest moments of my life!
• I envision a radiant future filled with boundless hope and possibility, and I take inspired, courageous steps to create the life of my dreams!

These affirmations are designed to evoke passion and enthusiasm, encouraging a deeper trust in your journey during the Hunter’s Moon.